Davao City – Despite being ranked among the wealthiest cities in the Philippines, many Davaoeños still struggle to feel the direct benefits of economic growth, according to former Congressman Karlo Nograles, who is now running for Mayor of Davao City.

Citing the 2023 Financial Report of the Commission on Audit (COA), Nograles acknowledged Davao City’s strong economic standing but emphasized the need to ensure that prosperity reaches all residents, not just a select few.

“Davao City is one of the nation’s largest economies among highly urbanized cities (HUCs), yet our per capita GDP does not reflect this prosperity for every Dabawenyo. It’s time we bridge this gap and ensure that the benefits of our economic growth are felt by all,” he said.

Bridging the Gap Between Growth and Livelihood

According to Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) data, while Davao City ranks among the top 10 cities in economic output, its per capita GDP lags behind compared to other highly urbanized areas. This means that while the city generates wealth, it does not necessarily translate to higher incomes and better opportunities for many residents.

“This is a challenge we must address. Our goal should be clear: elevate Davao City’s per capita GDP into the top 10 nationwide. This means not just growing our economy but ensuring that every Dabawenyo benefits from this growth,” Nograles stressed.

A Vision for a More Inclusive and Progressive Davao

If elected mayor, Nograles plans to introduce sweeping reforms to ensure inclusive economic growth, including:

Full digital transformation of the city government to improve service delivery.
Streamlining government transactions to eliminate red tape and attract more businesses.
Modernizing Davao’s transport system for better mobility and economic efficiency.
Positioning Davao as a leading e-commerce and tech hub to create high-income job opportunities.
“Davao City should not just be a commercial hub—it should be a place where every resident thrives,” he added.

Nograles remains firm in his vision that economic success must go hand in hand with programs that uplift the lives of ordinary Davaoeños, ensuring that progress is felt at every level of society.